Why Choking Incidents Happen in Nursing Homes

Age-related health issues such as dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), dementia, and Parkinson’s disease significantly increase the risk of choking. Nursing homes are required to recognize these risks and adapt care plans to ensure resident safety. Common causes of choking injuries include:

• Failure to supervise residents during meals
• Serving inappropriate food textures (e.g., hard-to-swallow foods)
• Inadequate staff training in emergency response techniques
• Ignoring physician-prescribed dietary modifications
• Rushing residents during mealtime or medication administration

Every choking injury points to a missed opportunity for prevention.

Nursing Home Responsibilities for Choking Prevention

Facilities have a legal and ethical obligation to prevent foreseeable harm, including choking hazards. Proper care should include:

• Conducting a full swallowing assessment for new residents
• Following prescribed dietary restrictions (such as pureed diets)
• Providing feeding assistance when necessary
• Monitoring residents during meals, snacks, and medications
• Training staff to recognize and respond immediately to signs of choking

When nursing homes ignore these responsibilities, they can—and should—be held accountable.

The Consequences of Choking Injuries

The physical and emotional toll of a choking injury can be profound. Depending on the severity, consequences may include:

• Brain damage caused by lack of oxygen
• Emergency surgeries such as tracheotomies
• Long-term feeding tube dependency
• Permanent disability
• Death

Families often find out too late that signs of risk were already present—and overlooked.

Legal Rights After a Choking Incident

When a nursing home’s negligence leads to injury or death from choking, families may have grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Compensation may cover:

• Medical expenses related to the choking event
• Long-term care and rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering endured by the resident
• Emotional damages experienced by surviving family members
• Potential punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence

At Michael Hill Trial Law, we understand the sensitive nature of these cases and fight to bring justice and accountability to families who have suffered loss.

Warning Signs of Negligent Care

If your loved one has experienced choking or has known swallowing difficulties, look for these red flags:

• Unexplained coughing or difficulty breathing after meals
• Frequent gagging incidents
• Lack of proper supervision during meal times
• Meals served without regard to dietary restrictions
• Staff who are unaware of residents' specific medical needs

Documenting incidents, care plans, and medical reports can be critical in building a strong case if legal action is necessary.

Conclusion: Every Resident Deserves Safe and Dignified Care

Choking injuries are not an unavoidable consequence of aging—they are often the result of inadequate care and preventable negligence. At Michael Hill Trial Law, we are committed to standing up for seniors and their families when nursing homes fail to provide the attention and supervision residents deserve.

If your loved one has suffered a choking injury in a care facility, you have the right to seek accountability. We are here to help you navigate your next steps with professionalism and care.